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Accountability needs a place in the constitution

"A whitewash," howled the opposition last week, after the government announced details of an inquiry into the banking crisis. It could just as easily be called a greenwash. At a meeting of the Green party 10 days ago, members demanded an early public inquiry by the Oireachtas into the near-collapse of the banking sector in 2008. Dan Boyle, the party's chairman, was unequivocal: "That's what we are putting to government." Last week the Green party was reminded what it means to hold junior status in a government with Fianna Fail. There will be an inquiry, but in private. The only public element will take place after the event; after all witnesses have been heard, all statements taken and after any conclusions have been reached. The Oireachtas, and the taxpayers who bailed out the banks, will be presented with a fait accompli.